The development of Victorina Himeji, Japan’s first professional female volleyball club, in relation to stakeholder management

Abstract

We examined the process of development of the first professional female volleyball club in Japan, Victorina Himeji, in relation to its stakeholders. For the purposes of this study, a professional sports club was defined as an organization composed of professional athletes who receive compensations through engagement in sports. We collected qualitative data from websites, papers, books, and archive material. In addition, we conducted a semi-structured interview with Mr. Akira Hashimoto, chief executive of Himeji Victorina. This revealed the involvement of 13 primary stakeholders and 11 secondary stakeholders in Victorina Himeji's development from its conceptual stage up to the present. Analysis of Victorina Himeji's organizational development over time revealed 3 phases. Phase 1 was the period from the launch of the club-founding preparatory committee until the establishment of the joint-stock company: Himeji Victorina. During this period, Mr. Masayoshi Manabe, who has been the head Japan women's volleyball coach until 2016, and interested locals joined together with the idea of creating a professional volleyball team in Himeji city, a period during which Mr. Hashimoto later joined and strengthened the management. Phase 2 was the period following the establishment of Himeji Victorina until its official admission to the V. League. This was the period during which the organization conducted tryouts, scouted and collected players with prospects of strengthening the team, and strengthened the main office staff at the club's headquarters. In addition, Phase 2 saw the beginning of sponsor recruitment, in addition to strengthening of the top team, along with activities to popularize volleyball and train players through the establishment of the general incorporated association: Victorina Elite Academy. Finally, Phase 3 was the period following the official admission to the V. League until the present. Overall, this study clarified the relationships with stakeholders and engagements as a club, which were both crucial elements in the process of founding this professional sports club and ensuring its growth as an organization. : The development of Victorina Himeji, Japan's first professional female volleyball club, in relation to stakeholder management. Japan J. Phys. Educ. Hlth. Sport Sci.